Kylian Mbappé Claims Pichichi Trophy as Real Madrid Conclude Winless Season in La Liga
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2026
Kylian Mbappé capped a transformative first season with Real Madrid by securing the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s top scorer, netting 31 goals in the 2024/2025 campaign. Despite the club’s inability to claim any major silverware, the French superstar’s individual brilliance provided a silver lining for a season marked by frustration and inconsistency.
The Pichichi Triumph: A Tale of Resilience
Mbappé’s 31-goal tally edged out rivals to claim his second consecutive Pichichi Trophy, a testament to his enduring clinical efficiency. The 25-year-old forward, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in a $198 million transfer, delivered moments of brilliance that kept the club in contention for the title until the final weeks.
“This award is for the fans who kept believing in us,” Mbappé said in a post-match interview. “We didn’t achieve what we wanted as a team, but I’ll keep fighting to make this club successful.”
Real Madrid’s Winless Season: A Mixed Legacy
Real Madrid’s campaign ended with a 2-1 victory over a resolute Athletic Club side, a result that highlighted their resilience but underscored the season’s broader struggles. The club finished 12 points behind champions Barcelona, their worst league finish since the 2019/2020 season.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti faced mounting pressure, with critics questioning his tactical decisions and the squad’s depth. The absence of key players like Vinícius Júnior (injured) and Luka Modrić (aged) further complicated matters, leaving Mbappé as the sole reliable goal threat.
Goals, Records, and Context
Mbappé’s 31 goals included 11 penalties, 15 headers, and 6 long-range strikes, showcasing his versatility. His performances against rivals—five goals in three El Clásico matches—were particularly standout, though Real Madrid’s inability to capitalize on these encounters proved costly.
For context, Mbappé’s 31 goals matched the 2019/2020 record set by Lionel Messi (then at Barcelona). However, his 2024/2025 tally fell short of the all-time La Liga single-season record of 34, set by Messi in 2011/2012.
